As the spouse of a fire captain, and a mother of a firefighter/paramedic, I have come to appreciate the unique dynamics that surround the firefighting profession. Among the many aspects that define our family’s lifestyle, the tradition of spending quality time together around the firehouse table after dinner has left a lasting impact on the way we connect and spend time as a family. To be completely transparent, it took me a long time to learn this valuable lesson; as my initial reaction for many, many years was to get up and clean up; after dinner. In this blog post, I want to share with you how this cherished ritual has shaped our evenings and strengthened the bonds between us. And in sharing this, I hope you’ll be able to incorporate this time-honored tradition into your routine FAR EARLY than I did. Better late than never, though.
A Tradition of Togetherness
Family time around the firehouse table is a time-honored tradition within the firefighting community. After a busy day at the station, my husband and his crew gather around the table to share a meal, stories, and laughter. When I first experienced this tradition, I was touched by the camaraderie and sense of belonging that surrounded them. Craig inspired me to create a similar environment in our own home, so after dinner, we decided to gather around our own “firehouse table” – our dining table. The kids get out games, or drinks and we visit and watch the grandkids play.
Storytelling and Connection
One of the most significant impacts of this tradition on our family time is the emphasis on storytelling. Around the firehouse table, my husband and his crew share their experiences, triumphs, and even challenges faced during their shifts. These stories, often filled with camaraderie and bravery, are a centerpiece of their evening. When shared with us, they not only educate us about the firefighting profession but also offer valuable life lessons.
As a result of this tradition, our dinner conversations have become more meaningful and engaging. We value the time spent sharing stories of our week, of our challenges at work or school, sharing our triumphs and accomplishments, and also asking for advice on adversities we are facing. It has brought us closer as we laugh and share these precious times together.
Appreciating the Present Moment
The nature of a firefighter’s job requires a constant awareness of the present moment. The firehouse culture places a strong emphasis on teamwork, quick decision-making, and the ability to remain composed under pressure. These attributes have undoubtedly influenced our family’s approach to spending time together.
We have learned to cherish every moment as a family and to be fully present in each other’s company. The unpredictability of the firefighting profession has taught us not to take our time together for granted. Whether we are sharing a meal, playing board games, or simply engaging in conversation, we have become more aware of the importance of being fully present and attentive to one another.
Building Strong Bonds
Firefighters often form deep bonds with their fellow crew members, akin to a second family. Similarly, our family time around the firehouse table has allowed us to forge stronger connections as a unit. It has provided a safe space for open communication, where we can discuss our emotions, challenges, and triumphs. Our family rule is that our home, and particularly, our dinner table is a place of safety. There is nothing we can’t discuss and no one will be put down. It is a place for acceptance, support, and love. This has been especially valuable during tough times, as it encourages us to lean on each other for support and understanding.
One scripture that emphasizes building family bonds comes from the Christian Bible, specifically from the book of Ephesians:
Ephesians 4:2-3 (New International Version)
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
This passage encourages humility, gentleness, patience, and love within the family. It highlights the importance of maintaining unity and peace, which are essential for strengthening family bonds. By bringing these virtues to the “firehouse table”, families can create a harmonious and supportive environment where love and understanding thrive and bonds are strengthened.
In the world we live in, where screen time often replaces personal interaction, finding ways to strengthen family bonds is more crucial than ever. For us, adopting the tradition of gathering around the “firehouse table” after dinner has been a transformative experience. It has brought us closer together, taught us to appreciate the present moment, and instilled in us a deep admiration for each member of our family.
As the spouse of a fire captain, and Mom to a firefighter/paramedic; I can proudly say that our family time has been enriched by the values and traditions that stem from the firehouse culture. By incorporating these elements into our own lives, we have not only embraced the firefighting community but also created a unique and special space for our family to connect, grow, and thrive together. It creates special experiences and memories at our Table of Grace.
Leave a Reply